The Artsy Guide to Amsterdam Art Weekend 2014

Casey Lesser

Nov 18, 2014 5:03pm

Renowned for its quaint canals,
rampant bicycles, and exceptional tolerance, Amsterdam is also home to a
vibrant art scene that spans world-class museums, dynamic galleries, and
emerging artists. While it’s often overlooked among art capitals, the city
fosters a growing number of galleries, most of which are relatively young and
form an inclusive, supportive network, marked by strong European programs,
thoughtful, intellectual curating, and high quality exhibitions that live up to
the notable neighboring institutions. Amsterdam Art Weekend celebrates
this close-knit art community and its many players, welcoming the international
art world to its varied and vital art spaces and presenting a program of
events, activities, and openings to delight art enthusiasts and serious
collectors alike. Whether you’re lucky enough to attend or not, find below the
highlights of Amsterdam Art Weekend 2014.

1. When? Where? How?

Amsterdam Art Weekend takes place
November 27–30, across the city. The majority of activity will take place in
four neighborhoods: Jordaan, Centrum, De Pijp, and West. Gallery openings are
free and open to the public, and will be open on Sunday, November 30—an
exceptional situation.

2. What is Amsterdam Art Weekend?

For one long weekend every November,
the city turns into an international meeting place for promising and renowned
artists, art enthusiasts, collectors, and professionals. Over four days,
galleries, museums, art institutes, theaters, and artist residencies coordinate
to put on a program of exhibitions, performances, film screenings, and talks.
At its core, Amsterdam Art Weekend is a means to promote a city and its arts
community.

3. Why visit?

Amsterdam Art Weekend is an
opportune time to relish in the art of the BeNeLux region—which is frequently
not given much appreciation until it leaves the city. The Rijksakademie, located in
the city center, is one the most interesting and progressive art schools in
Europe, and many of the artists who graduate from the institution have their
first commercial shows in Amsterdam. The weekend serves as an outstanding
occasion to see and discover high caliber art and artists that are not
necessarily making the international art fair rounds.

“The World Inside the Art World”
Stedelijk Museum Bureau Amsterdam at De Balie
What: Alongside Stedelijk Museum’s current
exhibition “How Far How Near,” this talk will discuss globalization, the
concept of “the art world,” and its role in the Netherlands. The Stedelijk
Museum Bureau Amsterdam and De Balie collaborate to put on this talk which will
feature panelists Hilke Wagner (Director Albertinum, Staatliche Kunstsammlungen
Dresden) and artist Godfried Donkor, and will be moderated by Johan Frederik
Hartle (Assistant professor department Philosophy, University of Amsterdam).
Where: De Balie, Kleine-Gartmanplantsoen 10, 1017 RR Amsterdam
When: Nov. 27, 3:30–5pm

“Art, Capital & Avantgarde”
Stedelijk Museum Bureau Amsterdam at De Balie
What: In light of recent auction records this discussion
investigates art in relation to monetary and social currency. Panelists include
Beatrix Ruf (Director, Stedelijk Museum
Amsterdam), Matthew Slotover (Co-founder, Frieze), artist Zachary Formwalt,
Olav Velthuis (Associate Professor at the Department of Sociology and
Anthropology of the University of Amsterdam) and the talk will be moderated by
Defne Ayas (Director, Witte de With Center for Contemporary Art, Rotterdam).
Where: De Balie, Kleine-Gartmanplantsoen 10, 1017 RR Amsterdam
When: Nov. 29, 10:30am–12pm

Performance: “The Great Art Show” at the Stadsschouwburg AmsterdamWhat: This theatrical performance
explores the significance behind works of art from the Rabo Art Collection. The
show promises to present an alternate view of the works of Marlene Dumas. Learn more and buy tickets, here.
Where: Stadsschouwburg Amsterdam, Leidseplein 26, 1017 PT Amsterdam
When: Nov. 30, 11am, 2pm, 4pm, 8pm.

Other Events:

“Kunstbeeld Night: Young
Experimental Painting”
What: This event begins with a lecture by Kunstbeeld editor Arjan Reinders, about contemporary painters
experimenting with the shaped canvas, then invites participants on a tour of
several galleries and concludes at Bluespoon Restaurant for dinner and a tour
of the video art collection at Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht. See the full program
and make your reservation, here.
Where: Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht hotel, Prinsengracht 587, 1016 HT
Amsterdam
When: Nov. 28, 5pm

RijksakademieOPEN
2014What: For the only time of the year, all 49 artists in residency
at the Rijksakademie will open their studios to the public. Artists will give
presentations, screen films, put on performances, and guided tours will be
available for visitors.
Where: Rijksakademie van beeldende kunsten, Sarphatistraat 470, 1018 GW
Amsterdam
When: Nov. 29 & 30, 11am–7pm.